Streaming 101

There are so many solutions it is crazy. It will depend on the price range and your long term objectives. If you want ultimately to get to audiophile quality, most folks will get a streamer and a separate DAC. But you can get very high quality boxes that do both... look at Aurender. They have outstanding units at all price points.

If you are looking to keep improving your system, you could use your PC as. Streamer for a while... but be aware they are not good sources compared to high quality streamers. Bluesound makes a budget streamers, some with DACs. 
 

What are your long term plans and budget?

Thanks, I'm looking at an end game setup. Haven't thought about a budget, probably 5k. It will be my third option as I have 4.5k records and many cds.

If I go streamer and DAC will I need a server? As I say, I'm clueless here. 

If I go streamer and DAC will I need a server? As I say, I’m clueless here.

No. If I’m you I’m looking hard at an Innuos Zen Mk3 (or Zenith) as it’s an excellent streamer and you can easily load your CDs into its server’s onboard memory through its own CD slot. Couldn’t be easier.  Or, you can mess with separate hard drives, streamers, integrating them, etc. and figure it out on your own. If you don’t like dealing with computer hardware/software issues then Innuos has it all done for you. Best of luck.